Volkswagen Multivan

Budding and standing alone in the Multivan was specially designed to transport people. Moreover, unlike the more universal Caravel, he was always an upstart with a claim. Different finishing materials, richer functionality - everything in it screamed “hey, wipe your shoes before landing!”.

What uniquely captivates the "German" is the richness of the configuration. There are seven (!) engine options for you to choose from: two petrol engines with a capacity of 149 and 204 hp. and five diesel - 102, 140, 150, 180 and 204 hp. Head spin! Depending on the selected unit, traction from it will come through 5- or 6-speed mechanics, as well as a 7-speed DSG robot to the front or both axles at once.

But let's, for the purity of the experiment, choose a variant with front-wheel drive and a 150-horsepower TDI with a 7DSG box that is consistent with our ward. Already at the entrance you get a considerable price tag of 3,972,600 rubles. Wow! Well, if the body remains basic white or red. If you want something different, you will have to pay 61,000 extra, and play around with a two-tone color (for the current generation Multivan, this one is also available) - and even 168,000! Peugeot is more modest in this sense... We will not change the standard 17-inch wheels - Traveler has them of the same size, and the design is a matter of taste.

In the cabin, even for this money - melancholy. Finishing, unlike the "Frenchman", is fabric, and for the skin you will have to go into your wallet again - at least 142 thousand surcharges. A rear view camera will also have to be purchased: the opponent has one! So, we count another 25 thousand. For the same reason, I had to part with another 72 thousand rubles for the left sliding door and the electric drive of both. And with 13 thousand more to have CarPlay and Android Auto support. Total 4276400 rubles. Hmm, it seems that the difference could have been made for another travel compact crossover for every day ... Yes, and a regular loan will not help here anymore - you will have to apply for a mortgage.

Minivan for a large family - which one to choose?

I just went on a road trip in a Peugeot Traveler VIP Business from Moscow to Sochi and back, after which I promised to compare the “Frenchman” with his direct competitors in a separate publication. The promised, as you know, is waiting for three years. So these "three years" have flown by, it's time to take up the pen. And then suddenly someone picks up a minivan for an extended family ...

Mercedes-Benz V-class

And what will be the answer in Stuttgart (more precisely, in the Spanish Vitoria, where the heir to Viano is being assembled)? With an extra-long wheelbase (3430 mm), its length will be 5.37 m - the very thing for comparison, because in this situation the minivan even slightly outperforms the "Frenchman" (see table below). Like the "countryman" Multivan, here we have a good choice of engines (one gasoline and three diesel engines), as well as transmission of traction to both the rear and all wheels (surcharge for all-wheel drive - 420 thousand rubles). For a confrontation, however, we will choose the simplest 136-horsepower diesel engine (V 200). Why not V 220 (163 HP)? Therefore, already at the start, we fall out of the budget - a relatively well-equipped version of Avantgarde (the standard one is completely “naked”) will cost 3,868,659 rubles.

But as with the Multivan, once again there is no need to rush to exhale. Because, although the seven-seat interior is already trimmed in leather (with several options to choose from), and the body is planted on 17-inch alloy wheels, many of the features of the reference Peugeot will have to pay for cash.

Let's go? Let's leave the base color without embellishment, just choose one of the five colors (Mers is the champion here!), Because you will be asked for 85,157 rubles for metallics. For starters, it would be nice to get hold of an automatic transmission for 161,193 rubles. - the basic price tags of all configurations for the Germans are always indicated for the version on the mechanics. Having received the 7G -Tronic Plus with the branded Mercedes steering column selector lever, we begin to deal with getting into the salon. It turns out that spectacular electric slider doors are an option at a price of 113,835 rubles, and the rear door electric drive too (45,461 rubles). Once in the cabin, do not stop counting bills, because heated front seats (29,042 rubles), an additional climate control system in the rear (55,604 rubles), a rear parking camera (40,863 rubles) and even tinted rear windows (29,480 rubles - something tells me that you can sell it yourself cheaper) - all this will require investments. And if you want Garmin Map Pilot navigation, you will also have to fork out for a radio with a CD drive (total - 80,633 rubles).

The list of options for the V-class is long, but we'll curb our appetites. Because, firstly, not all of them are offered for a “Frenchman” counterpart, and, secondly, we already spent a lot of money: 4,461,113 rubles ran up on my calculator. - it is absolutely impossible to negotiate further with a toad.

Minivan for a large family - which one to choose?

I just went on a road trip in a Peugeot Traveler VIP Business from Moscow to Sochi and back, after which I promised to compare the “Frenchman” with his direct competitors in a separate publication. The promised, as you know, is waiting for three years. So these "three years" have flown by, it's time to take up the pen. And then suddenly someone picks up a minivan for an extended family ...

Outcome

What do we have in the dry residue? The selection strategy is simple and based on economic realities. Limited budget - choose what is cheaper ( Hyundai H- 1), especially since the "Korean" is also the only eight-seater car from our four by default. And if you want and can treat yourself to your loved one and your many-sided family, we play with the German configurators. And I personally (and here I do not impose my opinion) would choose one of the versions of Mercedes - simply because it is absolutely inaccessible in terms of smoothness. But if we are talking about a reasonable compromise, then there is simply no choice: Peugeot Traveler VIP Business - perfectly balanced offer in terms of price / quantity of the car, because per 2 849 9 00 rub. you get all the goodies that you need in everyday life. I know this because I lived with him for three weeks.

• The larger the family, the more there is a lack of free space in the car. In our online store you can pick up, and the range is very diverse.

Photo: "Behind the wheel" and manufacturing companies

Minivans are spacious cars for transporting large families or companies with a single-volume body type, usually having 3 rows of seats (7 seats).

Minivans differ from station wagons in the ability to increase the interior space of the cabin due to a higher body and folding rear seats. Station wagon increased capacity - the second name of the minivan.

Minivans of all brands are designed for trips around the city and good asphalt roads, they do not have high ground clearance. In a classic minivan, all passengers feel comfortable due to the height of the body, space and spaciousness.

The number of passenger seats in minivans is from 5 to 9. For transportation of large families, 7-seater minivans are suitable. Cars with more than nine seats are classified as minibuses.

Depending on the size of the car, you can find the following subspecies:

• compact vans - low-capacity economical minivans, the comfort of rear passengers is sacrificed for volume;
• multivans - vehicles for transporting more passengers and cargo.

Chrysler Pacifica is a quality car that is ideal not only for a large family, but also for lovers of outdoor activities and frequent travel. For this, the car has everything you need - low consumption, a high level of comfort and safety, as well as spaciousness.

Opel Zafira Family is a comfortable family minivan with 7 seats. It is relatively democratic and has good equipment. The only drawbacks are the presence of only one power unit, as well as the absence of diesel engines, as well as one fixed configuration. It is not bad, but for some clients it may simply not be enough. However, this is one of the most popular minivans in Europe.

Chrysler Grand Voyager is a classic example of a large American 7-seat minivan. It has a traditionally powerful engine, an automatic transmission, a luxurious interior and the richest equipment, which, in addition, can be supplemented.

The SsangYong Stavic is a full-size minivan that comes with the only available 2.0-litre diesel engine, 2 types of gearboxes, and either front or all-wheel drive. Even its basic equipment is not bad, only some decisions in the interior are not entirely clear.

The large 7-seat Ford Galaxy is spacious, and even third-row passengers won't have to complain about being cramped. Also, this minivan boasts well-thought-out ergonomics, a perfectly readable “tidy” and comfortable chairs.

Passenger vehicles with increased interior capacity are usually called minivans and are assigned to the corresponding class. These cars have received and are in high demand in many countries of the world, including Russia. The peculiarity of minivans is that they are able to carry more passengers than ordinary cars, and also act as a small commercial vehicle. Their salon accommodates from 5 to 8 seats, sometimes even without taking into account the driver. But with maximum capacity, the luggage compartment remains free and voluminous, which allows you to transport not only people, but also all their belongings. These vehicles are perfect for family trips, large company trips, they are actively used in work and business. To select the best minivans, it was necessary to take into account not only the opinion of ordinary motorists, but also listen to experts and look at the dry statistics of sales of such cars in the new and secondary markets over the past 2-3 years. This made it possible to compile a list of objectively the best minivans and the most popular models presented

TOP 10 best minivans of 2019.

Selection criteria

Among the huge range of cars in the back of a minivan, it is really difficult to choose a limited list of favorites. But still, it was possible to form the top 10 of the best minivans. Certain requirements were presented to the candidates. Only cars that best meet these criteria made it to the final ranking among the best minivans. At the same time, the opinions of experts and ordinary drivers who have personal experience in operating certain vehicles with increased interior and luggage compartment capacity were taken into account.

• Spacious salon. Each minivan is simply obliged to offer consumers high capacity with the appropriate. It is important that all passengers get enough space in all directions needed for long journeys.
• Possibility of interior transformation. A very useful feature that allows you to turn 7-8 seats into 2-5, while creating the most spacious trunk. After all, minivans are often used not only as cars for a large company or family. It is also a small commercial vehicle.
• Organization of the cabin and luggage compartment. Minivans are designed to accommodate more people and luggage. Therefore, such cars are required to have additional niches, shelves, pockets and other ergonomic elements.
• Modern security systems. It's pretty easy to answer the question of which minivan would be better. The one that has a wide range of active systems and is equipped with an attachment system for child car seats, and also offers the largest number of airbags.
• Comfort for passengers. Minivans are one of the priority vehicles for long trips. But only the best of them can offer an exemplary level of comfort, multi-zone climate control, a multimedia complex available to passengers in rows 2 and 3, seat heating, etc.
• Specifications. Since the minivan is a family car, it should require a minimum of money from the family budget. This forces us to place increased demands on them in terms of the efficiency and economy of engines, the reliability of internal combustion engines and gearboxes, the stability of the suspension on bad roads and the maximum load on the passenger compartment.

One of the most popular and sought-after American minivans that can be purchased in Russia. And through official dealers. In our country, Pacifica from Chrysler is available in only one configuration. It is worth noting that in its homeland, the Pacifica model in the middle and basic configuration received the new name Voyager. When choosing the best minivans designed for families and children, it would be categorically wrong not to include this car in the top 10. It's all about exemplary safety. A number of experts recognize the Pacifica as one of the safest vehicles in its category. The car received 7 seats, a powerful engine under the hood, giving out 279 horsepower, and an automatic 9-speed gearbox. With such characteristics, the minivan is capable of accelerating from zero to hundreds in just 7.4 seconds. In terms of comfort, this is an exemplary representative of the family of high-capacity cars. Each passenger can enjoy excellent finishes, ergonomic and comfortable seats. Yes, the car is expensive, and in 2019 it will cost about 4 million rubles. Service is also not the cheapest.

A fairly inexpensive compact minivan with a 7-seat interior, which allows you to confidently accommodate not only children, but also adult passengers. This is the third generation of the popular model based on the classic Zafira. Compared to the Zafira, the Zafira Tourer compact van has a modified design, rich interior content, high-quality finishes and decent technical characteristics. The minivan is equipped with 3 turbodiesel engines for 110, 130 and 165 horsepower, as well as a pair of gasoline internal combustion engines with a return of 124 and 130 horsepower. They work in conjunction with manual or automatic transmissions. If you are thinking about which minivan would be better to choose with a small budget, the Opel Zafira Tourer will objectively become one of the priority decisions. The German brand managed to create a versatile car with good driving characteristics and an attractive price tag. Diesel engines are economical and pull the car well even in a fully loaded cabin.

If you're on a budget and don't know which large 7-seat family minivan to choose, be sure to take a look at Toyota's Japanese Alphard. This is one of the most prestigious cars for the whole family and large companies. The car received a number of characteristics and features that are typical for SUVs and premium sedans. All these qualities managed to be introduced into a family car. Alphard is perfect for transporting a large family, and can also act as a car designed for business trips, senior management and officials.

In Russia, Toyota Alphard is supplied with only one engine. This is a 3.5-liter gasoline engine with a return of 300 horsepower. At the same time, fuel consumption, not exceeding 10 liters per 100 km, will pleasantly please. in a mixed cycle. This is a worthy indicator for such a large car and an engine of such power. The salon is executed at the highest level, finishing on the basis of high-quality materials. A wide range of options makes each seat autonomous, providing the optimal microclimate and the most comfortable position. The only drawback is the high cost. A Japanese premium minivan will cost a Russian buyer about 4.5 million rubles. And this is not the richest equipment.

When thinking about which family car would be better to choose, be sure to look at the minivan of the French automaker in the face of Peugeot Traveler. It offers 7 seats for passengers and the driver. Moreover, the layout of the cabin turned out to be quite original, since there are 3 seats on the last row at once, and 2 seats on the front rows. Peugeot managed to make a pretty nice, solid and interesting car with a pretty good price tag. Such a minivan will cost the Russian buyer about 2 million rubles. In addition to the cost, the advantages include the reliability, efficiency and reliability of this car, making the Traveler one of the most popular and preferred minivans in 2019.

Economical due to diesel engine. With a volume of 2.0 liters, it demonstrates good traction even with a fully loaded cabin and luggage compartment. The diesel engine demonstrates consumption at the level of 5.2-5.8 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers. Consumption is affected by the installation of an automatic or manual transmission. Front wheel drive only. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive family car designed to travel and travel with a large company, the Peugeot Traveler is definitely worth paying attention to. The conditional disadvantages include the average level of sound insulation of the cabin and not the most thoughtful transformation system.

Hyundai is ready to offer some of the best minivans around the world, demonstrating excellent sales of its most popular model, the H1. A functional, practical, economical and modern high-capacity car attracted specialists and ordinary motorists with its maneuverability and controllability. Solid dimensions do not prevent the creation of the South Korean manufacturer from demonstrating one of the best turning radii, which is a modest 5.67 meters. This makes it possible to confidently maneuver and turn around even in a narrow street. When choosing the best and most popular all-wheel drive minivans, the Hyundai X1 will have to be missed. This car is equipped only with rear-wheel drive, which for some is positioned as a drawback. Among the advantages, they note a convenient and fast interior transformation system, comfortable 7 seats.

If desired, a 2-seater commercial vehicle for transporting goods can be made from a 7-seater minivan. In Russia, the Hyundai H1 is almost the most popular representative of its class, which is purchased by those who need a family and commercial car at the same time. In the engine compartment of the South Korean bestseller, only diesel power units are located. In Russia, the car is available with a non-alternative 2.5-liter diesel engine. The internal combustion engine can be equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. The only conditional disadvantage of the Korean diesel engine can be considered rather high requirements for the quality of the diesel fuel being poured. The entry of the model into the rating among the best minivans is not at all accidental. An attractive price also helped to be on the list of priority cars with increased capacity. This minivan can be taken for 2 million rubles in a very good configuration.

A very popular car for a large family, which was developed by specialists from the American company Ford. At the same time, the assembly of the model is carried out in Russia. Galaxy deservedly ranks among the most popular minivans on the Russian market. Not so long ago, the model went through a planned restyling, which made it possible to make the car even more spacious, comfortable and functional. The manufacturer added a number of new options, went through the interior, made minor adjustments to the technical specifications. A distinctive feature of the Galaxy car manufactured by Ford is the optimal ratio between price and quality. The car is much cheaper than it looks and actually offers. For less than 1.5 million rubles, Galaxy is available in objectively rich equipment. Paying about 500 thousand more, you will get literally everything that Ford has in its arsenal for their family 7-seater minivan. The car has a spacious interior. Even if all 7 people sit in the cabin, there will still be a solid space in the luggage compartment. The engine compartment hides petrol engines and a diesel version of the internal combustion engine. For the Russian market, 4 engines are immediately offered to choose from with a capacity of 140 to 200 horsepower.

One of the best projects of a family car with increased capacity by the German automaker. Volkswagen managed to successfully combine a dynamic image, the advantages of a passenger car and the capabilities of a mid-size crossover. EuroNCAP recognized Turan as the best car in the company of compact minivans in 2015. 2 years later, in Russia, the updated Touran was named the best minivan in the country. The car is offered at a fairly attractive price, equipped with extremely reliable, durable and resourceful engines. Diesel units deserve special attention. A 2.0-liter engine requires literally 5.4 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The basis for the creation of the Touran is the Golf platform. This makes the car compact, but at the same time roomy and very practical.

If you are looking for the best modern all-wheel drive minivans, equipped with reliable and proven all-wheel drive on all 4 wheels, look at the premium car made by the German company Mercedes. The updated design has made the V-Class even more refined and attractive. This is the ideal car for long trips and family trips, for business people and senior management. In Russia, this car is offered with 3 diesel engines to choose from. Their power varies from 136 to 190 horsepower. They are equipped with classic mechanics and an automatic transmission.

If you want to make a profitable investment by spending less than 2 million on a good minivan, then the option with the French model performed by Citroen will be one of the priorities. A distinctive feature of the C4 Picasso in a minivan body is low fuel consumption, a roomy interior, rich equipment, well-thought-out comfort for the driver and each passenger. Motors give out 115 and 120 horsepower. Both are diesel, consume no more than 4.5 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. in a mixed cycle. Diesel engines are somewhat difficult in terms of maintenance, but with proper operation and with proper care, they will cause the car owner a minimum of problems.

At the top of the rating, ordinary motorists and experts put an excellent Japanese off-road vehicle, which can be confidently classified as a minivan. Initially, Venza was developed as a project purely for the North American market. But in the end, the car appeared in Russia, got a wide audience of consumers, proved its suitability for operation in Russian conditions. The spacious interior has 7 seats. At the same time, there is still enough space in the luggage compartment to place things, bags and suitcases. For the Russian market, the Japanese automaker has provided a softer and more durable suspension that can withstand all the charms of local roads and climate. It is not necessary to choose in terms of technical characteristics. Under the hood is a non-alternative 2.7-liter engine. Runs on gasoline and produces 185 horsepower. It is paired with an automatic transmission.

Toyota Venza is considered an exemplary car in terms of price, quality and capacity. Another model boasts a solid cross-country ability, typical for mid-size crossovers. The manufacturer's approach to safety is of great respect. Already in the basic configuration, the Japanese minivan is offered with a whole set of 7 airbags. They are complemented by ABS, EBD, HAC, VSC systems, etc. Even as standard, you immediately get a modern multimedia complex with a 6.1-inch touch screen.

Each car has a certain set of strengths and weaknesses. All buyers have their own ideas about the ideal family car. Therefore, the presented rating is purely for informational purposes, and does not at all act as a call to buy strictly these cars. For many, a minivan is the most optimal choice in all respects. Roomy interior, spacious luggage compartment, extended cargo capacity, the ability to transport more than 5-7 people at the same time in one car. The choice should be made based on personal preferences, wishes and requirements for the car. Not the last role is played by the affordable budget and the opportunities that the future car owner wants to get from the minivan.

An article about how to choose the right minivan, what to look for when choosing a family van. Councils and recommendations. At the end of the article - an interesting video about choosing a minivan.

However, those drivers who have used this type of vehicle know that a minivan is a great family van. Its roomy interior allows you to carry up to nine people with a driver. Due to the large number of seats, this car can take a fairly large family on a trip, including both adults and children.

In addition, minivans are widely used for official purposes by various companies for the transportation of small and medium-sized cargo. This car is also indispensable for long journeys. Modern samples have the most advanced technical developments: climate control, air conditioning, TV and many other useful features.

The technology of modern van production is now focused primarily on people. Therefore, the quality of the car and the comfort of its interior have improved many times over. New brands of minivans have excellent functionality and excellent driving performance.

And despite the fact that manufacturers do not stop improving the models of these cars, their price remains affordable. Therefore, those drivers who prefer a minivan for one reason or another do not worry about the cost of repairing or purchasing a new car.

Criteria for choosing a family minivan

It is better for a private driver to choose a minivan together with his family members, because, as we have already said, a minivan for private ownership is a family car. Therefore, comfort for the whole family is first of all. Firms purchasing such cars should, when choosing, focus on its capacity.

Consider the main points for the competent choice of a minivan:

• car price and planned maintenance costs;
• the number of seats for boarding and the capacity of the luggage compartment;
• assessment of engine power, suspension quality and type of drive;
• installation by the manufacturer of functional equipment that provides convenient control and comfort in the car.

The dimensions of modern vans almost do not exceed the dimensions of other mid-range cars, regardless of whether it is a hatchback, station wagon or sedan. Therefore, the owner of a minivan can have no worries about maneuverability in city traffic or in tight parking lots.

Moreover, the individuality of the design of this car increases its safety, and the high seating position provides a good overview, so the minivan is simply indispensable when transporting passengers.

And now let's look at the top ten best menivans, from which you can choose a very worthy van.

Top 10 minivans worth buying

So, for example, the driver's doors and doors for passengers open in different directions, which is very convenient when landing. This is due to the fact that the passenger door hinges are attached to the rear of the body. Plus, thanks to this design of the doors in the cabin, the space for passengers has significantly increased. The trunk opens almost 90 degrees, which gives additional convenience during its operation. This minivan has a power of 140 hp, and its engine capacity is 1.4 liters.

Volkswagen's electronic equipment will also be a pleasant surprise for the driver: parking sensors that signal unexpected obstacles on the road, as well as a LightAssist device that independently illuminates if it detects an approaching vehicle in the oncoming lane. Even though this van came in eighth place, it is reliable and safe enough to always be a great choice for a large family.

This minivan has a number of functional advantages: its control panel is decorated with a seven-inch touch screen and an excellent media system. At the same time, it should be noted that this car has been updated, as a result of which it surpasses the first version in all respects.

Plus, such outlines significantly increase the degree of aerodynamics of the minivan. The long wheelbase and large body give the machine good stability and make it safer. Ford is equipped with fog lights, ABS, stability stabilization and many other devices, including a navigation system, cruise control and a camera.

Externally, the car resembles a sports car, due to which it visually seems smaller. Magnificent finishing of a body and salon will please any owner with comfort and quality. Fourth place in our ranking does not prevent this minivan from becoming a favorite for your family.

Unfortunately, in our country, not all models can be on sale, but the version with a 388 hp gasoline engine. quite available. All models have automatic transmission, and more expensive versions have climate control, parking sensors, seat heaters and many other very different options.

Conclusion on buying a family minivan

All listed minivans are intended mainly for the transportation of passengers, but the transportation of goods is also not excluded.

Samples of vans that have been released over the past ten years do not give any doubt about their reliability and comfort, and at the same time convince any driver of their purpose for long-distance trips as part of a large family.

How to choose the right minivan - watch the video: